North Wales Newspapers has appointed award-winning journalist Don Hale as an associate editor for the company's coastal titles.

He will have particular responsibility for the development of the North Wales Pioneer.

The former editor of the Matlock Mercury is now a well-known human rights campaigner and best-selling author.

He has edited five other newspapers during a career spanning nearly 30 years in the industry.

North Wales Newspapers editor-in-chief Graham Breeze described the appointment as "a fantastic signing".

He said: "There's no-one better at getting results. Don has a wealth of experience and I am delighted we have been able to tempt him back to the newsroom."

Don

Don, (52), came to international fame in recent years following his success in overturning a number of high profile miscarriage of justice cases, including that of Stephen Downing, who spent more than 27 years in jail for a murder he did not commit.

His work as a freedom fighter was highlighted last year during a BBC television production with actor Stephen Tompkinson playing his unique role in a two-part drama.

Don is a former winner of the Journalist of the Year award and the rarely given International Freedom trophy.

Records indicate that he has won more awards than any other journalist in British history, culminating with his OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

He said: "I am looking forward to introducing some new ideas to help promote the North Wales Pioneer and other group papers.

"It's great to be back in the newsroom again and working with such an enthusiastic team."